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U's land Ipswich striker

By Simon Fudge

Colchester United have signed Ipswich Town striker Billy Clarke on a month's loan.

Colchester United have signed Ipswich Town striker Billy Clarke on a month's loan.

U's boss Phil Parkinson was keen to boost his striking ranks ahead of Thursday's Football League loan deadline, as the League One promotion chasers look to make a strong end-of-season run-in.

The move is&nbsp;a chance for the 18-year-old to get some first-team action with the Essex outfit, with Clarke having returned to action after dislocating his elbow in an Ipswich reserve match back in December.

Town boss Joe Royle is pleased that Clarke will get the opportunity to gain some first-team experience with the Layer Road outfit.

"It's just a month on loan and no more than that," Royle told the club's official website.

"Billy is very highly thought of here and it will be a good opportunity for him to get a run of games under his belt."

Another striker to leave Portman Road is on-loan hit-man Ricardo Fuller, with the Jamaican international returning to parent club Southampton.

The former Preston North End and Portsmouth player's red card at Crystal Palace last Saturday has forced Ipswich to end his loan before Saturday's expiry date after Fuller received a two-match ban.